Mantchev, Lisa. Eyes Like Stars. 2009. Feiwel and Friends, 356 pages. $16.99 ISBN: 9780312380960
Plot Summary:
Bertie has grown up in the Theatre Illuminata, it has been her home for as long as she can remember and now she is in danger of being homeless. Unless Bertie can prove herself invaluable to the Theatre, she will be forced to leave and make her home elsewhere. With the help of the fairies Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed, as well as Bertie’s crush Nate, Bertie must successfully become a Director by restaging Hamlet in Ancient Egypt.
Not everyone wants Bertie to succeed. Ariel, who was once Bertie’s best friend, but abandoned her on order of the Theater Manager, wants Bertie to leave The Theatre and to take him with her. Bertie has never forgiven Ariel for his betrayal, but she is also finding herself oddly attracted to Ariel. That is until Ariel steals The Book that holds all the plays ever written and contains the magic that hold The Theatre together. In an effort to escape The Theatre Ariel almost destroys The Theatre and everyone who calls it home. In the process of trying to stop Ariel Bertie loses someone dear and discovers more about her mysterious past and how she came to The Theatre.
Critical Review:
Mantchev’s first novel Eyes Like Stars is an imaginative fantasy revolving around the magic of the stage. The Theatre Illuminata is a fantasyland unlike any other. With a little magic and the Stage Manager’s headset, Bertie is able to call up distant lands and magical kingdoms. Bertie is rebellious and stubborn, but also fiercely loyal and devoted to her home, she will stop at nothing to save it. Bertie is also determined to learn about her own mysterious past even though the truth might be more painful than Bertie could imagine. Bertie is a brave young woman, though she often makes mistakes, she fights for what she believes in. The fairies, who are Bertie’s constant companions provide a raucous brand of humor familiar to Shakespeare’s comedic characters. Other famous cameos include Hamlet as a womanizing smoking bad boy and Ophelia as loopy as ever except for her occasional revealing lucid moments. And Ariel as the secretive and sexy opponent.
Genre:
Fantasy
Interest Level:
9th grade and up
Similar Books:
The Fool’s Girl by Celia Rees
Awards/Honors:
Kirkus Best Books for Young Adults 2009
Andre Norton Award Finalist 2009
Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature 2010
Author’s Website:
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